One month after Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA live on MLB Central on April 14, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was named as the first pitcher for the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Classic today live on MLB Central on MLB Network.
With the knock on Team USA in prior editions of the tournament being weak pitching, the Paul Skenes commitment is one of the biggest in tournament history. This is the type of commitment that shows this tournament has truly arrived.
In 2023, the U.S. had a rotation of Adam Wainwright, Merrill Kelly, Nick Martinez and Lance Lynn. While some on the list like Wainwright had outstanding careers, at that point in their career, they were not considered top 10-15 starters in MLB. The Skenes commitment comes from one of the best starting pitchers in the game and a true bonafide superstar on the mound, a true game-changer for Team USA. Landing Skenes is the type of commitment that could inspire the best of the best starting pitchers to put on the Team USA jersey alongside him next March.
When asked about the possibility of representing the U.S. at the event, Skenes said “If I ever get the chance to do this, I’m never saying no.”
The Pirates ace has a 2.63 ERA and 53 strikeouts 54 2/3 innings in 2025. He’ll be the unquestioned ace of Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of an opening-day baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
